How to Fix a Car Door That Won't Close

A car door that will not close properly is usually a latch, striker, or alignment issue — most of which are straightforward to identify.

Likely causes

• Latch mechanism dirty or seized
• Door striker plate out of alignment
• Damaged door hinge
• Child lock accidentally engaged
• Bent door frame after an impact

Step-by-step fix

1. 1
   Check the child lock

   On rear doors, check the child lock lever on the edge of the door (visible when the door is open). If engaged, the door will open from outside but not inside.

2. 2
   Inspect the latch and striker

   Open the door fully and look at the latch mechanism. Spray WD-40 or a light lubricant if it looks stiff or rusty.

3. 3
   Check the striker plate alignment

   The striker (the pin on the door frame) should align with the latch. If the door has dropped, the striker may be too high or too low. A mechanic can adjust or shim the striker.

4. 4
   Lubricate the hinges

   Stiff hinges can prevent the door from sitting correctly. Apply hinge lubricant or WD-40 to all hinge points.

5. 5
   Check for body damage

   If the car has had an impact, the door frame may be bent. This requires a body shop.

Frequently asked questions

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